CVE-2011-3781 in PHPIDS
Summary
by MITRE
PHPIDS 0.6.5 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to a .php file, which reveals the installation path in an error message, as demonstrated by tests/IDS/VersionTest.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3781 affects PHPIDS version 0.6.5, a security tool designed to detect and prevent intrusion attempts in web applications. This weakness represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the system inadvertently reveals sensitive system details through error messages. The flaw manifests when remote attackers can directly access specific php files within the application's directory structure, particularly targeting files such as tests/IDS/VersionTest.php and similar test components. When these files are accessed directly, they generate error messages containing the absolute installation path of the PHPIDS application on the server filesystem.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves improper error handling within the PHPIDS framework. When the application encounters an error condition while processing certain file requests, it fails to sanitize the error output properly, resulting in the exposure of the complete file system path. This type of information disclosure can be categorized under CWE-209, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message," and aligns with the broader category of CWE-200, "Information Exposure." The vulnerability demonstrates a lack of proper input validation and error handling practices, allowing attackers to gain knowledge about the server environment that could be leveraged for subsequent attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths provide attackers with critical system layout information that can facilitate more sophisticated attack vectors. An attacker who discovers the installation path can use this information to plan targeted attacks, such as directory traversal attempts or exploitation of other vulnerabilities that might exist in the same environment. The vulnerability also enables reconnaissance activities where attackers can map the application's directory structure and identify other potentially sensitive files or components that might be accessible through similar means. This exposure can be particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications share the same server or where the application is deployed in a production environment with sensitive data.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is relatively narrow but significant, as it requires direct access to specific test files that are typically not intended for public access. However, the presence of such files in production environments indicates poor security practices and inadequate access controls. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability fits into the initial reconnaissance phase of the attack lifecycle and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1083, "File and Directory Discovery," as it provides information about the file system structure. The vulnerability also relates to T1213, "Data from Information Repositories," as it exposes repository-related information that could be used to understand the application's architecture and deployment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on proper error handling implementation and access control measures. Organizations should ensure that test files and other development artifacts are not accessible through web servers in production environments. The implementation of proper error handling that does not expose system paths or sensitive information should be enforced throughout the application. Additionally, the use of a centralized error handling mechanism that sanitizes all error messages before display can prevent such information disclosure. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remove any unintended file access points. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other security standards, emphasizing the need for proper input validation and error handling in all web applications.